Sharmin Sultan
A video recently went viral in Bangladesh where a young woman on a bus was confronted by a man who questioned her clothes and tried to shame her in front of others. But the woman did not stay silent. She spoke up strongly and defended herself. Her courage touched many people, because it is a situation that many women face every day.
This is not just a story about one man and one woman. It shows a bigger problem in our society. Women in Bangladesh have made great progress in education, jobs, and leadership. Yet when they go to work, school, or even travel on public transport, their safety and dignity are still not guaranteed. Harassment in public places is still common, and many people think of it as ‘normal’ or ‘nothing serious.’
The incident in the bus reminds us that women’s freedom should not be something they have to fight for every day. It should be treated as a basic right. When a woman steps outside, she should feel safe; not judged or threatened or questioned. The courage of one woman speaking up is powerful, but real change will come only when society stands with her, not against her.
This moment has opened many eyes. Now the real question is: will we learn from it, or let it happen again tomorrow?
For countless females, stepping outside the home is not a simple act of mobility. Women have been working or engaging outside for very many reasons. But yet we ask ourselves every day, what route is safer? Should I avoid the bus if it is crowded? Should I pretend not to hear comments? Should I dress differently to avoid judgment?
These questions form a constant internal dialogue. Safety becomes less of a right and more of a strategy- something to be guarded, managed, and worked around.
Public transport has become one of the most visible arenas of harassment. Surveys conducted by various civil society organisations show that a significant number of women who commute by bus face unwanted comments, physical intimidation, or inappropriate touching. Yet, most such incidents go unreported. Women often feel reporting will lead to further humiliation or be dismissed as ‘minor issues,’ making the emotional cost of speaking outweigh the potential benefit of justice.
One of the saddest parts about public harassment is how people react. Instead of asking why someone chose to harass a woman, people start blaming the woman. They ask: What was she wearing? Why was she alone? Why didn’t she just stay quiet?
These questions suggest that women are the ones who must change their behaviour to stay safe. This kind of thinking makes harassment seem normal and even excuses the person who caused harm. It sends the message that a woman’s safety depends on whether she follows certain ‘rules’ of society.
Harassment happens because some people feel they have power, authority and right and they know they can get away with it. It is about control, not clothing.
This situation also affects women’s confidence and the choices they can make in life. Many young women refuse jobs that require late hours or travel. Some families stop their daughters from studying far from home. Women often avoid public places because they are afraid of being harmed.
Today, more girls in Bangladesh are going to school and college than ever before. But the number of women working in jobs is still much lower than expected. The problem is society. When safety is a problem, it blocks progress. And this does not only hold women back but the entire nation.
Harassment continues because silence surrounds it. People on buses choose not to intervene. Workplaces handle complaints quietly to avoid conflict. Families advise daughters to ‘ignore and move on.’ Such silence is often born out of fear or discomfort, but its consequence is clear: it protects aggressors and isolates victims.
Breaking this silence is essential. But expecting women to carry this burden alone is both unrealistic and unfair. The responsibility to intervene, to support, and to demand change lies with the entire community.
To make women safer, both our attitude and systems need to change.
Education is very important. Children should learn respect, kindness, and consent at home and in school. Boys must understand that harassing someone does not make them strong but weak. We also need safer public transport. Buses should have cameras, trained staff, easy ways to report complaints, and real punishment for those who harass. These are practical steps we can take right now. Schools, colleges, and workplaces must make their anti-harassment committees strong and fair. They must show that they take complaints seriously, not just keep rules on paper. People who witness harassment should not stay silent. When bystanders speak up, it shows that harassment is not acceptable in our society.
The young woman in the viral video shows a new change. Many young women today know their rights and refuse to stay silent. They stand up for themselves and protect their dignity.
Their courage should become normal and our society must support them, not leave them to stand alone.
Women in Bangladesh are not seeking special treatment. They are simply claiming the right to move freely, to learn, to work, and to exist in public spaces without fear. Safety and dignity are not privileges; they are the basic foundations of citizenship.
Real change begins when we stop looking away.
The writer is the Chief People Officer at GPH Ispat Limited
